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Trading Places: Rex Sox and Cubs Heading in Opposite Directions

October 13, 2011
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Are the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs reversing rolls? As Cubs fans celebrate in the streets over the news of Theo Epstein bringing his talents to Chicago, Red Sox fans continue to shake their collective heads in disappointment. The future looks bright(er) for the Cubs, while the Red Sox appear to be on the cusp on a downfall.

The Sawx drop-off started with the biggest collapse in MLB history as they missed the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. The blame hit every area of the team, and we saw Terry Francona step down and then Theo Epstein leave for the Cubs. It’s not over. David Ortiz is mulling whether to return and is considering the Evil Empire – the Yankees, and news broke that several members of the Red Sox have been seen drinking beer during games in the dugout/clubhouse. It’s turning into a giant mess.

Meanwhile, spirits and heads are high in Chicago, as a renewed hope for the future is washing over the city. The Red Sox were mired in misery before Theo and company revamped the team and helped lead them to their first World Series title since 1918. He’ll need to do more for the Cubs, but at least the hope is there. The Cubs haven’t won a title since 1908, the longest drought in professional sports. The Red Sox overcame the Curse of the Bambino, but Theo and the Cubs have to erase multiple curses: The Billy Goat, Black Cat, Bartman and just the overall sense of losing.

If anyone can help lead the team past all of this and into a new era, it’s Theo Epstein. He was smart to get out of Boston amidst the turmoil and into a fresh situation. Plus, if he fails, it’s not as if Cubs fans will fault him… they’ll just blame it on their luck, or lack thereof.

In addition to covering the NFL, MLB, NBA, and College Football for RotoExperts, Jake Ciely (a.k.a "All In Kid") is also a poker fiend and a Maharishi in the world of sports wagering. Jake was a finalist for the FSWA's 2010 Newcomer of the Year award. You may email Jake @ [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @JakeAllinCiely